Young Retailer of the Year Award Program

This recognition program identifies and promotes the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement retailers and recognizes individual achievement in the industry by retailers 35 years of age or younger throughout the U.S., its territories and Canada. Selected from different retail categories, honorees are chosen based on wide-ranging criteria such as career accomplishments, community involvement, ongoing education within the hardware industry and extracurricular activities.

2019 Young Retailer of the Year nominations are due in

How to Enter

All entries must be submitted by February 28, 2019.

Nominations must be submitted with information detailing the entrant’s accomplishments in the categories listed in the brochure. Additional documents can include, but are not limited to, photographs, press clippings, letters of recommendation and other examples of career milestones and achievements.

Include any relevant photos with the entry materials, as well as a headshot of the applicant. This year, judges are specifically encouraging applicants to include videos with their submissions. Feel free to record a short video of yourself explaining how being named a Young Retailer of the Year would benefit your business and your ongoing career.

Byron Clouse

Lewiston Ace Hardware

Byron oversaw plans to integrate a grocery and hardware store in his Oscoda, Michigan, location. He also revitalized a community festival that was set to be canceled and made it a revenue-generating event for his community.

Nate Ludwig

Dazey’s Building Center

Within three years, Nate took his business from $1 million to $10 million in annual sales. He recently acquired two additional locations and a warehouse. Nate is also involved with his church’s youth program.

Diana Newton

Bay Hardware

Diana has turned two struggling stores into hardware destinations. At both of her businesses, she’s added inventory, grown customer counts and increased sales while developing strong community connections.

Ronna Kilts

Mattson’s True Value Hardware

Ronna oversaw a complete store remodel resulting in improved merchandising and inventory control. She also organizes events which unite her community and she helped her local school get a grant for free paint .

Megan Zarbano

Handy Hardware & Rental

Purchasing her store at age 23, Megan has increased sales with a store expansion and growing key departments. An active member of the Rotary Club, she’s helped secure several grants to benefit youth in her community.

Sean Angelo

Budget Home Supply

When a flood damaged his business in 2013, Sean created a five-year revitalization plan that resulted in a huge sales increase. He rebranded, reset and remerchandised the store to expand his customer base.

Taylor Baker

Foothills Hardware & Builders Supply

When Taylor purchased his business a few years ago, he executed a complete overhaul and added thousands of dollars of new inventory to serve his community’s needs. He’s increased sales significantly, and continues to grow.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship opportunities for NRHA’S Retail Management Certification Program are also available to current and past Young Retailer of the Year honorees as well as to qualified staff members working for current and former honorees.

Each year, The National Hardware Show® provides $5,000 scholarships for two students to attend NRHA’s Retail Management Certification Program.